Get $17,500 for your master’s with the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS-M). Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
About
The Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS-M) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports high-achieving students pursuing master’s degrees in natural sciences and engineering. This prestigious scholarship provides substantial funding and recognition, helping students excel in their academic journeys.
For committed students, the CGS-M offers financial support and access to a network of esteemed professionals and researchers. This can lead to collaborative opportunities, mentorship, and further academic or professional growth. Being a CGS-M scholar significantly enhances a graduate’s profile in a competitive landscape.
Securing the CGS-M is transformative, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress. The scholarship recognizes hard work, dedication, and potential for future success, making it an investment in both individual students and the future of natural sciences and engineering in Canada.
Details
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Value: $17,500
- Number of Awards: Numerous awards available annually
- Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility
Eligibility for Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS-M)
To be eligible for the prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS-M) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) as of the application deadline date.
- Enrollment: Be enrolled in, applied for, or will apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the master’s or doctoral level at a Canadian institution with a CGS-M allocation.
- Application Deadlines: Respect the internal deadline for admission to your intended program of study. Contact the faculty of graduate studies at the selected Canadian institution(s) for more information.
- Academic Progress: As of December 31 of the year of application, you must have completed:
- Between 0 and 12 months of full-time studies in the program for which you are requesting funding, which can be one of the following:
- A master’s program.
- A doctoral program entered directly from a bachelor’s program without previous graduate enrollment (direct-entry).
- A combined master’s-doctoral program.
- A master’s program transitioning to an eligible doctoral program without conferring a master’s degree (fast-track).
- A master’s program with degree requirements completed before the end of the award, continuing into an eligible doctoral program.
- Or between 4 and 12 months of full-time study in an eligible master’s program, with degree requirements completed before award activation, continuing into the first 12 months of the subsequent doctoral program for funding.
- Between 0 and 12 months of full-time studies in the program for which you are requesting funding, which can be one of the following:
- Prior Awards: Not have held or currently holding a CGS-M scholarship from NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC, nor an Indigenous Scholars Award and Supplement.
- Academic Excellence: Achieve a first-class average, as determined by the host institution, in each of the last two completed years of study. Institutions may accept applications from individuals without a first-class average; contact your host institution for details.
- Application Limit: Submit only one scholarship (master’s or doctoral) or fellowship application per academic year to NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC. Multiple applications will result in only the first eligible application being considered.
Benefits
- Financial Support: A non-renewable award of $17,500 to help cover tuition fees and living expenses during the course of study.
- Recognition: Acknowledgment of academic excellence and potential for future contributions to the respective field of study.
- Research Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge research facilities and collaboration with leading researchers in Canada.
Mandatory Paperwork
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Letters of Reference: Two confidential letters of reference from academic referees who can attest to the applicant’s academic and research capabilities.
- Research Proposal (if applicable): A detailed research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the proposed research.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV highlighting academic achievements, research experience, publications (if any), and relevant extracurricular activities.
Process to Apply
- Preparation:
- Review the eligibility criteria and program details thoroughly.
- Contact potential referees well in advance to secure letters of recommendation.
- Application Submission:
- Complete the online application form available on NSERC’s portal.
- Upload all required documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Evaluation:
- Applications undergo a thorough evaluation by a panel of academic experts.
- Evaluation criteria include academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
- Notification:
- Successful candidates will be notified via email.
- Funding will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s academic institution to support their ongoing studies.